After the worst boat ride that either Mark or I have ever taken, we have arrived in Turkish North Cyprus. Our plan was to travel from Turkey to North Cyprus and then meet Mark’s best mate Tom (Andy) who would arrange our transport over the Green line into the Republic of Cyprus. As it turns out, we have arrived in Northern Cyprus during the celebration of the invasion and the border is closed.

Although we are both anxious to see Tom, Olwyn, Ellie and new baby Joe (who just arrived last Monday the 10th!!) we have put out time here in the North to good use. From the get-go we have been so much more impressed with Cyprus than Alanya – the coastal resort that we stopped at in Turkey.

Today is a special day in Northern Cyprus as they are celebrating / commemorating the invasion / reoccupation / liberation. (Take your pick of which term you consider politically correct) As such, we have enjoyed a day of Parades and even saw an air show put on by the Turkish air force.

We whiled the afternoon exploring the Girne castle that houses a wonderful museum full of all sorts of interesting exhibits including the world’s oldest shipwreck. The boat found about half a kilometre off the coast of Cyprus is about 2300 years old and was carrying a cargo of wine, (oh what a waste, says Mark!) almonds and grinding stones.

Now we are off to the pub to catch the Scotland/Netherlands football game. If all goes according to plan, Tom should be at our hotel tomorrow morning at 10 to pick us up.